How to find your IP address on any device

Your computer has an IP address assigned to it right now — a string of numbers that identifies it on your network. You can find it in seconds using built-in tools on Windows, Mac, or Linux. The method depends on your operating system, but each one offers a quick command-line route and a graphical route through settings.

Most people need their IP address to troubleshoot network problems, set up a printer or smart home device, or give remote access to a technician. Knowing where to look saves you from searching through multiple menus or calling for help.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can open Command Prompt and type ipconfig to see their IP address in seconds.
  • Mac users can open System Settings, navigate to Network, and click the active connection to see the IP address displayed.
  • Linux users can open a terminal and type ip addr or ifconfig to view their IP address.
  • Your computer likely has two IP addresses: a local one for your home or office network, and a public one for the internet.
  • The quickest method on any system is the command-line approach, which takes under 30 seconds.

Finding your IP address on Windows

Open Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing cmd, and pressing Enter. A black window will open. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Your IP address appears next to "IPv4 Address" — it looks like four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.100.

If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can find it through Settings. Click the Windows Start button, go to Settings, select Network & Internet, then choose your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Click the connection name, scroll down, and your IP address appears under "IPv4 address."

The address you see in Command Prompt is your local IP address — the one your router assigns to your computer. This is what you need when setting up devices on your home network. If you need your public IP address (the one the internet sees), you can find it by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser.

Finding your IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click Network in the left sidebar. Your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) appears with a green dot. Click it, and your IP address displays under "IPv4 Address" on the right side of the window.

If you want to use the command line instead, open Terminal (find it in Applications > Utilities or search for "Terminal"). Type ifconfig and press Enter. Look for the section labeled with your connection type — either en0 for Ethernet or en1 for Wi-Fi. Your IP address appears next to "inet" and looks like 192.168.x.x.

Like Windows, the address you see is your local IP address on your network. To find your public IP address, open a web browser and search for "what is my IP."

Finding your IP address on Linux

Open a terminal window. Type ip addr and press Enter. Your IP address appears in the output next to "inet" for each network connection. Look for the connection you are using — usually labeled eth0 for Ethernet or wlan0 for Wi-Fi.

If the ip addr command does not work on your system, try ifconfig instead. Type it and press Enter. The output is formatted differently but contains the same information — your IP address next to "inet" under your active connection.

Some Linux systems may not have these tools installed by default. If neither command works, you can also find your IP address through your desktop environment's network settings, though the exact path varies by distribution. Ubuntu users can click the network icon in the top-right corner, select the connection, and view the IP address in the details panel.

Understanding local versus public IP addresses

Your computer has two different IP addresses, and it is important to know which one you need. Your local IP address is assigned by your router and only works on your home or office network. It usually starts with 192.168 or 10.0. You use this address when connecting a printer, setting up a smart speaker, or giving a technician remote access to your computer on the same network.

Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider and is how the rest of the internet identifies your connection. Websites see this address when you visit them. It changes periodically unless you pay for a static IP. To find it, search "what is my IP" in any browser — the first result will show it.

When someone asks for your IP address to help with a problem, they usually mean your local address if they are on your network, or your public address if they are accessing your computer remotely over the internet. Ask them which one they need if you are unsure.

What to do if you cannot find your IP address

If the command-line methods do not show an address, your computer may not be connected to the network. Check that your Wi-Fi is turned on or your Ethernet cable is plugged in. Wait a few seconds and try the command again — sometimes it takes a moment for the connection to register.

On Windows, if you see "Media disconnected" next to your connection in the ipconfig output, your network adapter is not connected. On Mac or Linux, if you see no inet address listed, the same issue applies. Reconnect to your network and try again.

If you are still stuck, restart your computer and your router. Turn off the router, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Once it finishes starting up, restart your computer and run the command again. This resolves most connection issues.

Why you might need your IP address

The most common reason to find your IP address is to set up a device on your network — a printer, security camera, smart speaker, or other gadget. These devices need to know your computer's local IP address to communicate with it. You enter the address into the device's setup screen or app.

Another reason is troubleshooting network problems. If your internet is slow or unstable, a technician may ask for your IP address to diagnose the issue. You might also need it to set up port forwarding on your router, access your computer remotely, or configure network-dependent software.

Occasionally you need your public IP address — for example, if you are hosting a game server or setting up a VPN. In those cases, the "what is my IP" search is the fastest route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IP address the same every time I check it?

Your local IP address usually stays the same unless you restart your router or your computer assigns itself a new one, which is rare. Your public IP address changes periodically — sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly — depending on your internet service provider. If you need a permanent public IP, you can request a static IP from your provider, though this usually costs extra.

Can someone harm me if they have my IP address?

Your public IP address is visible to every website you visit, so it is not secret. Knowing it alone does not let someone access your computer or files. However, they could use it to target you with attacks or look up your approximate location. A firewall and router provide protection. Your local IP address is only useful on your own network, so sharing it with someone off your network does nothing.

What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 addresses look like 192.168.1.1 — four numbers separated by periods. IPv6 addresses look like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 — longer and using letters and numbers. IPv6 is the newer standard with far more possible addresses, but most home networks still use IPv4. Your computer may show both, and both are correct.

Why do I see multiple IP addresses when I run the command?

Your computer may have multiple network connections — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and virtual adapters for VPNs or virtual machines. Each one gets its own IP address. Look for the connection you are actually using. On Windows, the one labeled "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter" for your active connection is the one you need. On Mac and Linux, look for en0, en1, or wlan0 depending on what you are connected to.

Can I change my IP address?

Your local IP address is assigned by your router and can be changed through your router's settings, though there is rarely a reason to do so. Your public IP address is assigned by your internet service provider — you cannot change it directly, but restarting your modem may cause your provider to assign you a new one. If you need a permanent public IP, contact your provider about a static IP option.